Author Archives: admin

About admin

I am a writer. And a musician/songwriter. And a husband/father. I love good beer, the outdoors, the embrace of family, the company of true friends, the telling of a good story and the inner peace derived from quiet reflection in solitude. Recently I have specialized in beer writing. My most recent adventure is "Virginia Beer: A Guide from Colonial Days to Craft's Golden Age" published fall 2018 by University of Virginia Press. In October 2014, "Richmond Beer: A History of Brewing in the River City" was published by History Press. "Charlottesville Beer: Brewing in Jefferson's Shadow," followed in January 2017. Send me an email at rvabeerguy@gmail.com. As you can see from this site, however, my interests are broader than beer. Spend time, leave a comment or just enjoy. Lee

Chris Squire: A Tribute and a Memory

Posted on July 7, 2015 by admin

Reid and I were totally star-struck. There they were, two members of Yes sitting an arm’s length away in a hotel lounge in Hampton, and Reid and I were speechless. Didn’t ask for autographs. Didn’t tell them how much we … Continue reading →

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Garden Grove brewery ready to blossom

Posted on February 11, 2015 by admin

Garden Grove Brewing Co. broke new ground recently when it became the 100th licensed brewery in Virginia. On Valentine’s Day, co-owners Ryan Mitchell and Mike Brandt will again break fresh ground, not only by debuting Richmond’s newest brewery but also … Continue reading →

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Virginia hops get rave reviews for Stone collaboration

Posted on February 8, 2015 by admin

First impressions go a long way. Take, for example, the reaction of Steve Gonzalez, research and small batch manager at Stone Brewing Co. in California, to his first sample of Virginia hops. “The Cascades were really shockingly awesome — very classic … Continue reading →

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In the Garden of Stone

Posted on January 19, 2015 by admin

If only Stone Brewing Co. could bottle some of this San Diego sunshine and send it to Richmond. I’ve felt guilty basking in the warmth and brilliance of Southern California weather while RVA has been fighting ice and freezing temperatures … Continue reading →

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Sunrise on the Grand Canyon

Posted on January 12, 2015 by admin

Jan. 10, 2015. 7ish a.m. The southern rim of the Grand Canyon. We store memories in snapshots. We live in movies. We think in terms of moments, as if time were like words, separated by space, distinct and individual. But … Continue reading →

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Stone buys Virginia hops for brew

Posted on December 17, 2014 by admin

    Stone Brewing Co. has reached out to Virginia hop growers for a taste of the Old Dominion. The West Coast brewery, which has selected Richmond, Va., as the site for an East Coast facility, hopes to use Cascade … Continue reading →

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Denver Chronicles 2014: Entry Three

Posted on October 4, 2014 by admin

Saturday, Oct. 4. 2014, 2:25 Denver time  If you have a bottle of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Raspberry Stout, put a stickie note on it. Gold medal winner, 2014 Great American Beer Festival, American-Style Fruit Beer category. The Richmond brewery, … Continue reading →

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Denver Chronicles 2014: Entry Two

Posted on October 3, 2014 by admin

9:06 p.m. Denver time, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 First, thanks to all those who expressed condolences about the germs that attacked me during my flight to Denver. Some good meds and some excellent beer proved therapeutic. But anything I say … Continue reading →

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Denver Chronicles 2014: Entry One

Posted on October 1, 2014 by admin

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 10:09, Chicago O’Hare time. Will RVA beer history be made in Denver this week? A Richmond brewery has never won a medal at the Great American Beer Festival, to my knowledge. Could this be the year? If … Continue reading →

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Fresh and familiar blend at Virginia Craft Brewers Fest

Posted on August 24, 2014 by admin

For all of the fresh faces and new beers at the 2014 Virginia Craft Brewers Fest, it was a familiar crew that took the stage for the best-of-show awards yesterday in Nellysford.   Devils Backbone Brewing Co. not only achieved … Continue reading →

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